Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan

The first location in Japan to be registered as an International Dark Sky Place, you can see up to 84 constellations from this spot. But viewing conditions do change throughout the year, so check the weather before you set off!

The Atacama Desert, Chile

Perhaps the most famous stargazing spot in the world, Chile’s Atacama Desert, is the driest place on earth. It affords unparalleled views of the Southern Hemisphere sky.

Mauna Kea, Hawaii, United States

The summit of Mauna Key on Hawaii’s Big Island has become an internationally renowned stargazing spot. It has an observatory close to the 13,803-foot peak.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States

Here you can experience the famous “river of light” as the Milky Way rises through the Owachomo Bridge.

The post 5 of the Best Stargazing Spots in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

What Are They?

Ever since the 1990s, Qantas has offered up mystery flights periodically as a fascinating trip option for travelers. With flights leaving from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, travelers are packed into an airplane with no idea of where they are going for a national day trip.

Flown on B737 aircraft and featuring a ticket that includes transportation, activities upon arrival, and breakfast in a pre-flight lounge, this is a unique and interesting way to spend a day in Australia.

The destination is never known before you leave, but Qantas does provide you with a pre-flight email telling you what the weather will be like and what sort of clothes you need to pack for your activities.

Smaller towns and cities, both beachside, in the country’s interior, and near national landmarks have been some of the destinations which have been flown to. What’s clear, however, is that this adventure, with a starting price of around $550, is for those of us who are open to a little bit of uncertainty!

The post Would You Go on a Mystery Flight Adventure? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

China (55)

The most populous country in the world is also the one with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With an incredibly rich cultural and natural heritage, you will find world-famous sites like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City of Beijing are two of the best-known.

Italy (55)

A center of culture and the former home of the Roman Empire, the modern-day country of Italy equals China’s 55 World Heritage sites. The heritage of the Roman Empire is heavily featured within the ranks of Italy’s sites, as are natural areas like the Amalfi Coast.

Spain (48)

Another southern European country comes in at third on the list, as Spain has a whopping total of 48 World Heritage sites. You’ll find plenty of places related to Spain’s rich history in which Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences can still be found to this day to be a large driver of the number of sites you’ll find.

The post These Countries are the Kings of UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has gotten underway and represents a significant turning point in the fight against the disease. And this development, according to much speculation, could be big news for travel as well.

Nearly all international travel for leisure is, at this point, prohibited. But as countries begin to open up for tourists and travelers, there is something that could be required or highly advantageous: a vaccine passport.

A vaccine passport is a potential idea for those who have received the COVID-19 vaccination that would serve as a sort of proof of immunity when it comes to the virus and could become required or highly recommended for entry into certain countries.

Some countries have already begun taking steps towards implementing this step for travelers, with the option of only allowing entry to travelers who possess this document or only allowing travelers who don’t have this document to enter with a mandatory negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.

So, when you start to think about planning post-pandemic travel, keep in mind that this new, proposed document could become essential for getting where you need to go!

The post Vaccine Passports: The Next Travel Trend? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

It’s now possible to see the abandoned city of Pripyat and even observe the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant from up close—but there are some secrets involved. Here are a few facts you probably didn’t know about visiting this fascinating destination.

Radiation Measurement Checkpoints

As you’ll be visiting a site that is off-limits for humans to live due to a nuclear disaster in 1986, you’ll be screened with a radiation dosimeter upon entering and leaving the zone to ensure you have not been exposed to too much radiation during your visit.

Dining in the Plant’s Cafeteria

Would you believe that part of a standard tour includes eating in the former nuclear plant’s cafeteria? It sure does, and you’ll be served traditional Ukrainian dishes that are thankfully made with ingredients from outside of the nuclear zone.

The Levels of Radiation are Astoundingly Low!

Despite the radiation checkpoints and the specter of a relatively recent disaster, this area is completely safe for visitors, because its radiation levels are now so low. In fact, you’ll be exposed to more radiation on a transoceanic flight than you will be if you spend a whole day visiting.

The post Secrets of Visiting Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The main reason for this is the temperature. Cruises are typically popular in warmer parts of the world, so painting the ship white helps keep it cooler. The same thing applies to most commercial airplanes, too. Another reason is that white ships look elegant, clean, and expensive, which attracts the customers.

This doesn’t mean that all the ships are white. There are colorful ships today, and in the past they were mostly dark. Around the 1930s, people experimented with shades of green, and red has been popular for ships in the 1980s.

Some ships today are used as a canvas for artists to decorate, so it’s not unusual to see cruise ships with amazing artwork on them.

The post Why Most Cruise Ships Are White appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

However, there are some things about visiting Chernobyl that will probably surprise you when you go. Here are three things that you might not even believe.

You Have to Pass Government Checkpoints

Even though the amount of nuclear radiation still present in the area surrounding Chernobyl is generally quite low, the Ukrainian government still maintains checkpoints to ensure that workers and visitors in the area don’t leave the area with a potentially dangerous amount of nuclear radiation in their bodies.

You Can’t Enter Any Buildings

While many people dream of exploring the abandoned buildings in Pripyat and its nearby villages, the reality is that it isn’t even legal to do so. In order to reduce potential risks related to nuclear fallout and building damage, you’ll have to observe from outside.

You Can Eat in the Nuclear Plant Canteen

Tour guides which take visitors to Chernobyl typically take the opportunity to take them to the Chernobyl Power Plant canteen for lunch, where visitors are served a traditional Ukranian meal and eat alongside the personnel who continue to work at the site to keep it safe.

The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Touring Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan

The first location in Japan to be registered as an International Dark Sky Place, you can see up to 84 constellations from this spot. But viewing conditions do change throughout the year, so check the weather before you set off!

The Atacama Desert, Chile

Perhaps the most famous stargazing spot in the world, Chile’s Atacama Desert, is the driest place on earth. It affords unparalleled views of the Southern Hemisphere sky.

Mauna Kea, Hawaii, United States

The summit of Mauna Key on Hawaii’s Big Island has become an internationally renowned stargazing spot. It has an observatory close to the 13,803-foot peak.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States

Here you can experience the famous “river of light” as the Milky Way rises through the Owachomo Bridge.

The post 5 of the Best Stargazing Spots in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

What Are They?

Ever since the 1990s, Qantas has offered up mystery flights periodically as a fascinating trip option for travelers. With flights leaving from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, travelers are packed into an airplane with no idea of where they are going for a national day trip.

Flown on B737 aircraft and featuring a ticket that includes transportation, activities upon arrival, and breakfast in a pre-flight lounge, this is a unique and interesting way to spend a day in Australia.

The destination is never known before you leave, but Qantas does provide you with a pre-flight email telling you what the weather will be like and what sort of clothes you need to pack for your activities.

Smaller towns and cities, both beachside, in the country’s interior, and near national landmarks have been some of the destinations which have been flown to. What’s clear, however, is that this adventure, with a starting price of around $550, is for those of us who are open to a little bit of uncertainty!

The post Would You Go on a Mystery Flight Adventure? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

China (55)

The most populous country in the world is also the one with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With an incredibly rich cultural and natural heritage, you will find world-famous sites like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City of Beijing are two of the best-known.

Italy (55)

A center of culture and the former home of the Roman Empire, the modern-day country of Italy equals China’s 55 World Heritage sites. The heritage of the Roman Empire is heavily featured within the ranks of Italy’s sites, as are natural areas like the Amalfi Coast.

Spain (48)

Another southern European country comes in at third on the list, as Spain has a whopping total of 48 World Heritage sites. You’ll find plenty of places related to Spain’s rich history in which Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences can still be found to this day to be a large driver of the number of sites you’ll find.

The post These Countries are the Kings of UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has gotten underway and represents a significant turning point in the fight against the disease. And this development, according to much speculation, could be big news for travel as well.

Nearly all international travel for leisure is, at this point, prohibited. But as countries begin to open up for tourists and travelers, there is something that could be required or highly advantageous: a vaccine passport.

A vaccine passport is a potential idea for those who have received the COVID-19 vaccination that would serve as a sort of proof of immunity when it comes to the virus and could become required or highly recommended for entry into certain countries.

Some countries have already begun taking steps towards implementing this step for travelers, with the option of only allowing entry to travelers who possess this document or only allowing travelers who don’t have this document to enter with a mandatory negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.

So, when you start to think about planning post-pandemic travel, keep in mind that this new, proposed document could become essential for getting where you need to go!

The post Vaccine Passports: The Next Travel Trend? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

It’s now possible to see the abandoned city of Pripyat and even observe the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant from up close—but there are some secrets involved. Here are a few facts you probably didn’t know about visiting this fascinating destination.

Radiation Measurement Checkpoints

As you’ll be visiting a site that is off-limits for humans to live due to a nuclear disaster in 1986, you’ll be screened with a radiation dosimeter upon entering and leaving the zone to ensure you have not been exposed to too much radiation during your visit.

Dining in the Plant’s Cafeteria

Would you believe that part of a standard tour includes eating in the former nuclear plant’s cafeteria? It sure does, and you’ll be served traditional Ukrainian dishes that are thankfully made with ingredients from outside of the nuclear zone.

The Levels of Radiation are Astoundingly Low!

Despite the radiation checkpoints and the specter of a relatively recent disaster, this area is completely safe for visitors, because its radiation levels are now so low. In fact, you’ll be exposed to more radiation on a transoceanic flight than you will be if you spend a whole day visiting.

The post Secrets of Visiting Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The main reason for this is the temperature. Cruises are typically popular in warmer parts of the world, so painting the ship white helps keep it cooler. The same thing applies to most commercial airplanes, too. Another reason is that white ships look elegant, clean, and expensive, which attracts the customers.

This doesn’t mean that all the ships are white. There are colorful ships today, and in the past they were mostly dark. Around the 1930s, people experimented with shades of green, and red has been popular for ships in the 1980s.

Some ships today are used as a canvas for artists to decorate, so it’s not unusual to see cruise ships with amazing artwork on them.

The post Why Most Cruise Ships Are White appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

However, there are some things about visiting Chernobyl that will probably surprise you when you go. Here are three things that you might not even believe.

You Have to Pass Government Checkpoints

Even though the amount of nuclear radiation still present in the area surrounding Chernobyl is generally quite low, the Ukrainian government still maintains checkpoints to ensure that workers and visitors in the area don’t leave the area with a potentially dangerous amount of nuclear radiation in their bodies.

You Can’t Enter Any Buildings

While many people dream of exploring the abandoned buildings in Pripyat and its nearby villages, the reality is that it isn’t even legal to do so. In order to reduce potential risks related to nuclear fallout and building damage, you’ll have to observe from outside.

You Can Eat in the Nuclear Plant Canteen

Tour guides which take visitors to Chernobyl typically take the opportunity to take them to the Chernobyl Power Plant canteen for lunch, where visitors are served a traditional Ukranian meal and eat alongside the personnel who continue to work at the site to keep it safe.

The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Touring Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.